Pasche: Alabama guard Warmack visits Lions

Do the Lions go with an offensive lineman or a defensive player with their fifth overall pick in the NFL draft?

Two national experts are divided. So I’ll break the tie.

First, there’s no doubt Chance Warmack is a tremendous talent at guard — and the Lions have an opening at right guard — still it would be a surprise to see the Lions draft Warmack with the fifth overall pick when there are other pressing needs.

Warmack (Alabama) had a pre-draft visit with the Lions on Monday according to the team web site.

“(Warmack) is certainly a great player. I just think if you look at this (NFC North) division if you can get a (cornerback) Dee Milliner or a pass rusher that will help against the Aaron Rodgers, Jay Cutlers and people like that ...,’’ ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said in a conference call on Wednesday.

“The two quarterbacks in that division, of course led by Aaron Rodgers, you have to go through to get a playoff spot. I think a cornerback or defensive end would be the guys to consider ...

“Warmack is a heck of a player — helping out obviously the running game, a run blocker and help protect Matthew Stafford,’’ Kiper said. “I would be surprised if they don’t draft a defensive end or corner.’’

I’m with Kiper on this one. I think with so many needs on defense, that’s the direction the Lions have to take with their top pick.